Shaun Marcum threw a 30-pitch simulated game yesterday, reporting no problems after what Mike Still of MLB.com calls “a major step in his recovery from right elbow soreness.”

Marcum was shifted from the 15-day disabled list to the 60-day disabled list last week, which means he’s not even eligible to return until next week. And he’s unlikely to be ready by then anyway, as the Brewers haven’t scheduled a minor-league rehab assignment yet.

If healthy Marcum likely would have been traded along with Zack Greinke last month, but the impending free agent’s elbow injury and history of arm problems put the Brewers in a tough spot. It’s possible he could return in time to make or two starts before August 31, allowing the Brewers to potentially make a late deal for him that brings back a little value, but he hasn’t pitched since June 14.

Under the previous CBA, I think they would be content in hanging on to him and collect the picks. But now it looks like they would need to make a qualifying offer of about $13 million to eligible for any compensation, and Marcum would probably jump at that deal anyways given his recent arm troubles. So I’d agree they might look to get something out of him.

He’s a damn good pitcher when healthy. The Brewers may end up catching a break and sign him to a reasonable deal if other teams shy away, but I think if he pitches well in September after the deadline, he’s as good as gone.